Mixing Cocaine And LSD: Effects And Dangers

Cocaine and LSD are two very different drugs that affect the brain and body in different ways. Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that drives up heart rate, blood pressure, and dopamine levels. At the same time, LSD is a hallucinogen that distorts perception and alters thought patterns. When taken together, these opposing effects do not balance each other out. Instead they interact in ways that are unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

While this combination is not among the most commonly reported causes of fatal overdose, it’s still not safe. The cardiovascular strain of cocaine combined with the psychological effects of LSD creates a mix that can escalate into a medical emergency faster than either drug would alone. Poor judgment, paranoia, and erratic behavior under the influence of both substances also place people at serious risk of harm.

Learn more about the dangers of polysubstance abuse

What Are The Effects Of Mixing Cocaine And LSD?

Research on the specific combination of cocaine and LSD is limited, but there are a few known effects.

A few of these include:

• paranoia
• delusion
• extreme hallucinations, or a “bad trip”
• cardiovascular issues
• damage to the central nervous system (CNS)

Some people who have used cocaine and LSD also claim that combining the substances eliminates some of the euphoric effects.

Why Is It Dangerous To Mix Cocaine And LSD?

Cocaine is a stimulant that works by increasing the brain’s dopamine supply, which is associated with the pleasure and reward functions of the brain. LSD is a partial agonist at dopamine receptors, meaning it’s a stimulant of dopamine. Because both cocaine and LSD have stimulant properties, this can create significant overstimulation and activation of dopamine.

Cocaine and LSD also cause an increase in the levels of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for things like mood and sleep. An influx of these neurotransmitters can cause a number of uncomfortable physical responses, overstimulation, and in some cases, serotonin syndrome.

Risks Of Mixing Cocaine And LSD

Mixing cocaine and LSD can lead to a few serious conditions and long-term issues. Death is unlikely, but it is possible if a person overdoses or develops serotonin syndrome and leaves the symptoms untreated.

Excess Serotonin Can Cause Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome occurs when the body has too much serotonin. Both cocaine and LSD can cause an influx of serotonin during use.

This can cause:

• confusion
• agitation
• chest pain
• seizure
• sweating
• fever
• loss of consciousness

When the substances are combined, this increases the risk of developing serotonin syndrome because there are two mind-altering chemicals at work in the body changing serotonin levels.

The Mixture Can Induce A Stroke

Both cocaine and LSD have been linked to strokes in overdose situations, with cocaine being well-known for its detrimental effects on the brain and blood vessels. When these substances are combined, they can work together to increase blood pressure, cause irregular heart rhythms, and affect blood flow to the brain.

This combination significantly raises the risk of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Strokes can cause permanent brain damage, disability, or death.

Cocaine And LSD Can Cause Seizures

Mixing cocaine and LSD can also cause seizures. A seizure can develop from damage to the CNS, stroke, stress, or other responses in the body. While LSD is not typically associated with seizures, it is possible for this to happen under the influence of the substance.

Seizures are common with cocaine overdoses, so mixing LSD and cocaine will put those using these substances at a greater risk of seizure.

Increased Risk Of Coma

If a person mixes cocaine and LSD, they run the risk of overdosing and falling into a coma. In one case study of eight massive LSD overdoses, patients ingested a large amount of LSD and went into a coma. All of the patients recovered from life-threatening manifestations.

Addiction Treatment For Cocaine And LSD Abuse

In addition to the uncomfortable and potentially life-threatening effects of using cocaine and LSD, there is a high potential for addiction. If you or someone you love has been abusing one or both of these substances, addiction treatment is highly recommended.

Treatment services may include:

• residential treatment
• outpatient programs
• dual diagnosis treatment
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• medical detoxification
• counseling
• group therapy
• case management
• aftercare

An addiction treatment program may last for several months, depending on the severity of the addiction. With the right help, you or your loved ones battling substance abuse can achieve lasting sobriety.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff